French Toast Cupcakes with Maple Bacon Buttercream

French toast is a go-to breakfast item for me, especially topped with bacon, and with a side of maple syrup. Now just imagine a cupcake that has all these three ingredients listed above within it. Dream come true? I think so. I know I have been adding or topping some of my latest recipes with bacon, BUT COME ON...WHO DOESN'T LOVE BACON??!! I just don't get it. Anyway, if you are interested in making these delicious mouthwatering cupcakes, take a look below!

*Makes: 18 cupcakes 

Ingredients

For cupcakes:

• 3 cups (400g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400g)  granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 230g) butter, softened 
• 1 cup (240g) sour cream
• 4 eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla

For streusel:

• 1/4 cup (60g) dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup (60g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (70g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 5 tablespoons cold butter, cut into chunks

For maple bacon buttercream:

• 1 cup (2 sticks or 230g) butter, softened
• 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup (100g) maple syrup
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 6 slices of bacon, cut into small pieces

Cinnamon Sugar Maple Bacon Donuts (Gourdough's Copycat)

Ever since Gourdough's opened in Austin, Texas, I fell in love with their crazy delicious donuts. They had one that my fiance always got called the "Flying Pig" which consisted of a donut with maple icing and bacon on top (topped with even more maple icing). This is what I decided to attempt to make at home yesterday and they turned out amazing. If I can do it out of my own home, anyone can. Raise your hand if you love donuts like me! If so, give these a try, and make your way to Gourdough's if you are ever in Austin.

*Makes: 7 donuts

Donuts:

• 2 tablespoons water, warmed
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 3/4 cup (180ml) milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 3/4 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• vegetable oil, for frying

Maple glaze:

• 2 tablespoons milk (give or take)
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup 
• 2 cups (260g) powdered sugar

Cinnamon sugar bacon:

• 7 pieces of bacon (you can use more if you would like, this is all I had)
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cinnamon 

Gluten Free Homemade Bacon Cheez-it Crackers

My dad is a cheez-it lover, so growing up, of course I loved them just as much as him. There is nothing better than making something out of your own kitchen, and it tasting just as good (if not better), than the store-bought brand. These cheesy crackers are not only gluten and wheat free, but are made with bits of bacon. YES, BACON!

*Makes: About 60-80 cheez-its (depending on size)

Ingredients

• 1 cup (130g) of gluten free plain flour
• 1/2 tsp of xanthan gum
• 8 oz total, 3 1/2 oz grated cheddar cheese (100g) & 4 1/2 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (160g)
• 1/2 cup (110g) of salted butter cut into chunks
• 2 tbs of ice water
• 1/8 tsp of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of hot paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 4 pieces of bacon, chopped up

Baked Mac N' Cheese Balls

If you are looking for an alternative to consuming macaroni and cheese, try these crunchy, tasty, delicious cheese balls!

*Makes: 

Ingredients:

• 1 batch macaroni and cheese, prepared as directed and well chilled (1 box store-bought or your favorite homemade recipe, I used a homemade recipe containing bacon, green onion, and a homemade cheese sauce)
• 1/2 cup/ 70g all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• about 1 cup/125g breadcrumbs (seasoned if preferred; I added some salt and pepper)
• 4 tablespoons of olive oil, divided (you may use non-stick cooking spray if you prefer)